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4th
Wisconsin Infantry
| Regimental History |
| Fourth Infantry. — Cols., Halbert E. Paine, Sidney A. Bean,
Frederick A. Boardman, Joseph Bailey, Webster P. Moore, Nelson F. Craigue; Lieut. -Cols.,
Sidney A. Bean, Frederick A. Boardman, Joseph Bailey, Webster P. Moore, Nelson F. Craigue,
George W. Durgin, Horatio B. Baker; Majs., Frederick A. Boardman, Joseph Bailey, Webster
P. Moore, Nelson F. Craigue, Guy C. Pierce, Edward A. Ramsey, Erastus J. Peck, James
Keefe, Henry Brooks, George W. Durgin, Horatio B. Baker, James B. Farnsworth. This
regiment was organized at Racine in June, 1861, with a numerical strength of 1,047. It was
mustered in July 2, and was first used in suppressing bank riots in Milwaukee and
Watertown. It left the state July 15 and on the refusal of the railroad company to
transfer it from Corning, N. Y., to Elmira, it seized the train and ran it to Elmira. It
went into headquarters at the Relay house, Md., and later joined the "Eastern
Shore" expedition, going to Baltimore in December. On Feb. 19, 1862, it left for
Fortress Monroe to join the New Orleans expedition, but was sent to Ship island, Miss.,
until April 16. On the 28th Cos. E and G were landed 10 miles from Forts Jackson and St.
Philip, after rowing 5 miles and drawing 30 boats loaded with arms and ammunition a mile
and a half, while wading in mud and water waist deep. The regiment, with the 31st Mass.,
was first landed in New Orleans and took forcible possession of the custom house. The 4th
Wis. was occupied in scouting duty in detachments until July 26, when it was sent to Baton
Rouge, Col. Paine taking command of the troops there with orders to burn the city with the
exception of the state library, paintings, statuary and charitable institutions. This
order was afterwards revoked on Col. Paine's representation to Gen. Butler that the town
"would be useful to our army for further military operations." The town was
fortified thoroughly by the regiment, which was later ordered to Carrollton, near New
Orleans, Co. G being detached for service with the heavy artillery, and 40 men were also
transferred to the 2nd U. S. artillery. The winter and spring were devoted to picket duty
and small expeditions through Mississippi. The regiment took a prominent part in the
battle of Fort Bisland near Brashear City in April. It was then sent to Opelousas, where
it met and defeated a large mounted force of the enemy. By order of Gen. Banks the
regiment was mounted and thereafter served as cavalry. It was in numerous skirmishes until
ordered to Port Hudson in May as part of the investing force. It took part in the first
assault and reached the ditch surrounding the fortifications, having been temporarily
dismounted. It was in the second assault on June 14, losing 140 of the 220 men engaged in
the charge. It returned to Baton Rouge July 25, and passed the following year in
picketing, foraging and preserving the peace in that section, occasionally capturing or
dispersing small bands of cavalry and guerillas. On Nov. 27, 1864, it formed part of a
cavalry force to keep the enemy near Mobile from advancing toward Gen. Sherman. The winter
was passed at Baton Rouge and the regiment was sent to Mobile in April, 1865. After the
surrender of the latter place, the 4th was sent on a 70-day expedition through Georgia,
Alabama and Mississippi. In July it was ordered to Texas and remained there until May,
1866, to prevent smuggling, guard against the Indians and preserve the peace. It was
mustered out May 28, 1866. Its original strength was 1,047, Gain by recruits, 982;
substitutes, 16; reenlistments, 260; total, 2,305. Loss by death, 350; missing, 23;
desertion, 74; transfer, 2; discharge, 474; mustered out, 754. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 4
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